80 sapranches from Leh meet Sonia

A delegation of 80 sarpanches from Leh district on Monday called upon UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi and placed before her their demands.

The delegation of sarpanches was headed by executive councillor agriculture of LAHDC Sonam Dorjey and accompanied by former Union Minister P Namgyal. The list of demand included UT status for Ladakh with legislative power and special package for permanent restoration in all affected areas of Leh district.

They also placed before Sonia Gandhi their demand to include Bhoti language in 8th schedule of Indian constitution and for early sanctioning of multipurpose Khardongla tunnel, opening of all weather road to Ladakh through Parangla and opening of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra road via Ladakh.

The delegation members said daily wages rates under MNREGA for Ladakh region be raised from present Rs 130 to Rs 350 because of the harsh conditions and limited working period.

UPA chairperson gave full assurance to the delegation from Leh district to make all possible efforts to live up to the expectations of people of Ladakh.